Optimized building integrated hybrid roofing system

Abstract

An optimized building integrated hybrid roofing system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of metal battens having a longitudinal channel mounted horizontally onto a plurality of wooden battens, a plurality of solar electric roof tiles mounted on the metal battens and connected in series to form a string, a thermal tubing / heat pipe mounted along the longitudinal channel, at least one manifold containing liquid connected with the thermal tubing / heat pipe, an inverter connected to each string, heat exchangers connected to the thermal tubing / heat pipe, and a pump connected between the thermal tubing / heat pipe and the heat exchangers. The solar electric roof tiles generate DC from solar energy and the inverter converts the DC to AC to feed to a utility grid. The metal battens collect solar energy and converts into thermal energy resulting in producing hot water.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not Applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]This invention relates to a building integrated roofing system, and more particularly to an optimized building integrated hybrid roofing system.DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART[0004]Many countries are searching for solutions to global warming and its potential consequences. One important way to reduce global warming is to use alternative or renewable energy, such as, solar energy which is environmentally friendly and can be more cost-effective in the long run than many other methods. A properly sized and installed solar thermal energy collection system can be a practical alternative for acquiring energy needs in many areas of the world.[0005]Solar panels are used to generate electricity by converting the sun's energy into electricity. These solar panels are comprised of photovoltaic cells arranged on a flat grid. For ex...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a system that uses solar power from roof tiles to generate electricity. It includes an inverter for converting the DC electricity from the solar tiles to AC electricity, a thermal tubing / heat pipe for optimizing the collection of solar energy and minimizing thermal energy loss in winter, and a pump for circulating liquid through a manifold. The system helps to capture and use more of the solar energy available on a roof.

Problems solved by technology

Though the photovoltaic solar roof can be laid by a roofer with no electrotechnical expertise, the conversion rate goes down when the ambient temperature on the roof goes 85 degree Fahrenheit or above.

These prior art patents are limited to 3 to 4 kw systems on the roof.

Such arrangements will generally not generate sufficient energy to be self-sustaining due to a low conversion rate, and are not aesthetically pleasing.

However the system produces both thermal and electrical energy, but cannot produce them simultaneously to work in conjunction with or compensate for each other.

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